How is the batch being created?

Can it be created with the "Private" option checked and then remove the "allow access to private batches" option from everyone's roles so that only the required users can interact with the batch?

It may be possible to script with a post load UI script but not guaranteed.  A Master Developer could probably do it with an enhancement as well if one doesn't exist already.  You'll want to check the enhancement catalogs of the top Master Developers.

I don't think Private would work because we're doing Shipping Data Entry in two steps - our Pickers create the pending invoices into the PACK batch and our Shipping operators move the invoices from the PACK batch into the SHIP batch for final invoicing.  Since the Pick and Ship operators are different I don't see how we could use Private.  Am I missing something?

Regarding your suggestion of using a script, (1) is it possible to implement the post load UI script using Custom Office or must I go to a developer, and (2) can you direct me where to find the "enhancement catalogs of the top Master Developers?"

Batch selection screens are not available in custom office for attaching a script.

I don't know of a list of top developers (...we just have good working relationship with a few, adn I don't want to pick favorites to list here).  Perhaps ask your Sage Partner for a recommendation.

Thanks for your advice.  This has been very helpful.

Might you know which table identifies a batch as "In Use"?  I don't see it in GL_CompanyActiveBatch

I don't think it is a table entry.  Sometimes we have to terminate a locked process, and doing that releases the batch... where terminating a Windows process couldn't possibly write a table value update with reliable business logic.

There are elements of the Sage 100 program that are outside what you can query using ODBC (like the Master Console, or whether an SO is open by another user...)... and I believe this batch status is one of those things.  The technical details of how that work would be part of the BOI programming, so unless you are looking for an ODBC value, perhaps describe why you need the value, so someone can point you in the direction of how to get that done another way..

Thanks for the speedy reply.  In the example above, I want to block processing of the PACK batch in "Daily Sales Reports/Updates."  I see the system automatically blocks batches that are "In Use."  Is there a way to artificially trigger the system to recognize a batch as "In Use."  Or might you have some other ideas?

Try the "Private" flag instead.